Exploring the Potential of a VR Game for Global Youth Engagement

the process -

an ode to Andaman & Nicobar.

Ocean's Rebirth explores challenges faced by the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. Located in the Bay Of Bengal, they serve not only as the ideal tropical tourist destination but also a tactical military base for the Indian Army. The Indian government has recognised this strategic and economic potential, sanctioning development projects and leading to increased oil spills, ship noises, trawling, agriculture, tourism, and urbanisation, threatening the rainforests and reefs alike. The archipelago is home to several, maybe even hundreds of (now) endangered species across various taxonomic groups.

Will restoration lead to an artifactual reality?

ideas that moulded Ocean's Rebirth -

Environmental Philosophy

Are actions of “restoration” and “preservation” different with different impacts?

Communication Design

How may we, landlubbers, empathise with unknown beings? Can we effectively convey “sustainability”?

Reef Acoustics

How have natural soundscapes changed as marine animals have become endangered and/or extinct?

/ the futures narrative.

Players are dropped into a futuristic underwater world (based in the Andaman Sea) where they begin their journey. In this future, the extinct species haunt our oceans. They are implored to explore the lands with little instruction by following the haunting sounds.

/ paradoxical game objects.

As players collect the souls of these animals, they interact with other artificial flora. They look realistic but allow players to phase through them as if they were holograms, reinforcing the idea that restored environments are essentially "fakes" that cannot fully replicate the value of original ecosystems.

/ sound as a mechanic for exploration.

The game uses sound as a mechanic for navigation. It draws inspiration from scientific research and artistically reinterprets animal frequencies as looping audio clips made with synths and sitars.

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designing for VR.

It allows for immersive and intimate connections between the audience and the natural world.

VR is a fairly new and therefore novel technology that players are eager to play with and explore.

It makes spaces like the underwater world more accessible to people who live further away.

The form factor of the headset is awfully similar to a dive mask, adding to the physical immersion.

WHY VR?

Enjoys immersive adventure games with rich narratives and exploration. Likes visually stunning games with atmospheric soundscapes.

Favorite Games: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Ori and the Blind Forest, and Astro Bot Rescue Mission

Art & Atmosphere Admirer

Story-Driven Gamer

Fascinated by games that explore mythology and ancient philosophies. Enjoys adventure games with rich narratives and immersive worlds.

Favorite Games: The Last of Us, Journey, and God of War

meet gamers where they already are...

the three levels -

The game levels are divided and distributed among 3 zones that get increasingly difficult to navigate.

Kelp Caves

Deep Waters

the outcome !

Ocean’s Rebirth is a first-person, single-player, VR game with 15 minutes of gameplay, built using Unity. It follows a linear narrative and is a mission-based short play Indie title.

tests and shows

Game displayed at RCA, London and Hyundai Gallery, Seol